Metropolis Desk-
Last week, Alibaba founder Jack Ma delivered his first lecture as a visiting professor at Tokyo College, a division of the University of Tokyo, further distancing himself from his position as a digital entrepreneur in the wake of China’s crackdown. According to Japan Times, Jack Ma gave a two-hour seminar speech on entrepreneurship and the future. The most well-known businessman in China was invited to serve as a visiting lecturer in May. The contract is annually renewable, but the appointment term ends at the end of October.
The University of Tokyo reports that Jack Ma held his “special seminar for students” on June 12. Jack Ma was photographed answering questions from students when he was surrounded by them and clutching a binder in the institution’s photos.
A representative for the institution said to Japan Times that it was done at the entrepreneur’s request and to prioritize “ensuring a calm learning environment for students” when questioned why the university had not previously announced his presentation.
A statement from the university, the talk was attended by students from Japan, China, India, and Malaysia and was based on “his rich experience and pioneering knowledge of entrepreneurship and innovation”.
The Tokyo College was established in 2019 to act as a liaison between the University of Tokyo and scholars and research institutions abroad.
To put an end to a larger regulatory crackdown, Chinese fintech giant Ant Group’s Jack Ma gave up ownership of the company earlier this year.
Before becoming one of China’s most prominent corporate titans, he taught English.
Source – Japan Times
